I hear so many people talking about being tired, having no energy, being exhausted at the end of their work day. By the way, this spans the age groups too, 20 somethings to 50 and over. What’s up with this?

I also experienced something quite eye opening the other day when I actually went into the gas station (I never do that) to purchase some wiper fluid. To my utter amazement I noticed an incredible amount of “energy” supplements or drinks just lining the counter at the gas station. Capsules that claim to give you energy, drinks, supplements, candy. If gaining energy is your problem they want to solve it artificially.

The market is saturated with energy supplements, everyone is talking about being exhausted and having no energy yet we reach for something outside of ourselves, a bandaid to give us more energy rather than considering that there might be something that we are doing or not doing that is contributing to this low energy symptom. Which is exactly what it is….a symptom of something deeper.

Do you find yourself needing an energy supplement when waking up or can’t live without coffee, low energy after lunch or the 3:00 slump, need an energy supplement to have your best workout? These things are masking a need for something else in your body. Vitamin or mineral deficiency, non-restorative sleep, stress, overcommitment, poor absorption of nutrients, the list goes on. But masking them will only lead to issues later down the road. As Jack Kornfield once said “your body will hand you a bill.” It’s up to you whether you want to pay for that daily by taking care of yourself or keep racking up the bill until it becomes overwhelming and you can’t manage it.

If you are ready for a more natural way of creating energy in your life try these 5 things and see what happens! And if you discover that you really are still dragging it might be time to find a trusted functional medicine provider.

Slow down and stop committing to non-essential things. You know what I mean. Just say no.

Get a full 7 1/2 to 8 hrs of restorative sleep every night. Set yourself up for good sleep with a ritual 1-2 hrs prior to bed.

Eat more vegetables! Every meal (yes even breakfast) needs to have protein, plant based carbs and good healthy fats. You should feel energized after you eat not sluggish. Cut out the processed sugary foods.

Change the way you respond to stress in your life with a breath or meditation practice. I’m telling you, this is life changing. Are you the 3:00 in the afternoon coffee pick me up? Try a 10 minute meditation or getting outside for 10 minutes instead of coffee (miracle here)

Drink more water. Plain and simple if you feel tired you may be dehydrated. Drink half your body weight in water during the day. Get a 32 oz ball glass jar and just keep filing it up.

Try these and you will likely be amazed at the amount of energy you gain. If you need more guidance on how to incorporate these tips reach out…I happily offer a complimentary coaching call for anyone!